Jensen FF (RHD) 6.3 1969
General description :
A truly pioneering GT, the first 4-Wheel Drive, ABS fitted roadcar
One of only 320 cars ever produced
Predated the legendary Audi Quattro by 14 years
Coachbuilt, fast, comfortable and supremely luxurious
Restored beautifully in Velvet Green over Red Leather
One of the finest examples available anywhere
1969 Jensen FF (RHD)
The iconic Jensen Interceptor is a highly regarded British sporting GT-class motor car. These stunning cars were hand-built at the Kelvin Way Factory in West Bromwich England by Jensen Motors between 1966 and 1976. The Interceptor name had been used previously by Jensen for the Jensen Interceptor made between 1950 and 1957 at the Carters Green factory. Jensen had extensively used glass-reinforced plastic for the fabrication of body panels in the preceding two decades, but the new Interceptor saw a return to a steel body-shell. The body was designed by an outside firm, Carrozzeria Touring of Italy, rather than the in-house staff. The early bodies were built in Italy by Vignale, before Jensen took production in-house, making some subtle body modifications. However, whilst the incredibly stylish Interceptor featured undoubtedly contemporary styling, it wasn’t technologically advanced, unlike its brother, the FF.
The Jensen FF was the first non all-terrain production car equipped with 4WD and an anti-lock braking system. The use of four-wheel drive in a passenger car preceded the successful AMC Eagle by 13 years and the legendary Audi Quattro by 14 years. “FF” stands for Ferguson Formula after Ferguson Research Ltd who invented the car’s system. The FF is related to the similar-looking, rear-wheel drive Jensen Interceptor but is five inches longer and mechanically very different. The FF can be distinguished from the Interceptor by a few styling cues, with the most obvious being the twin (rather than single) diagonal air vents on the front wing just rear of the wheel-arches.
Jensen had often been ahead of the curve as a marque and had accomplished numerous firsts in the automotive world, with the 541 being one of the first European fiberglass production cars and other things such as the Interceptor featuring the largest rear windscreen in a car. Performance was another facet in which Jensen was often at the forefront, with models like the CV8 being amongst the fastest cars in the world with a 0-60 quicker than a Lamborghini Miura and numerous other 60s icons. However the FF was incredibly futuristic and truly paved the way for a more modern breed of automobiles, not only being one of the very first uses of 4-wheel-drive in a non-offroad vehicle but also one of the very first automotive uses of ABS, decades before other brands would use the technology. There was no other car like the Jensen FF and wouldn’t be for decades, arguably the most comparable car today would be the Bentley Continental GT with its 4-wheel-drive, elegant bodywork and extremely luxurious interior.
The car we proudly present to you today is one of just 320 Jensen FFs ever built, more specifically one of only 195 Mark Is which feature Jensen’s most striking interior with its jet-age instrument binnacle and sleek walnut centre dashboard console. Finished in the truly exceptional colour combination of Velvet Green over its Red Leather interior, this FF is truly one of the most beautiful examples anywhere. It’s spacious airy cabin is perfect for crossing continents in extreme comfort and rarely for a GT car, comfortable space for rear passengers. This along with its sophisticated Ferguson Formula system and ABS makes it an excellent touring car for all seasons. It has been restored beautifully and is undoubtedly one of the finest examples anywhere, not to mention with its unique colour combination one of the most elegant too. If you’re looking for one of the fastest, most innovative and striking Grand Tourers of the 1960s, look no further.
Now available for viewing at the DD Classics Dealership in London, please call 0208 878 3355 for more information.
https://ddclassics.com/car-listing/jensen-ff-rhd/
1969 Jensen FF (RHD) 6.3 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Surrey by DD Classics for Not priced.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Jensen Model : FF Model Version : (RHD) 6.3 Engine size : 6.3 Model Year : 1969 Sub type : Race/Rally Car Location : Surrey
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About Jensen
The story of Jensen cars is a tale of British automotive craftsmanship and innovation that left a lasting impression on the world of luxury automobiles. Jensen, a relatively small automaker, managed to carve a niche for itself with its elegant and handcrafted vehicles.In the Beginning:
The Jensen story begins in 1934 when brothers Richard and Alan Jensen founded Jensen Motors Limited in West Bromwich, England. They initially started as a coachbuilding business, but their passion for automobiles led them to develop their own cars.
Jensen Models:
Jensen produced a range of models over the years, each with its own unique character and appeal.
Jensen Interceptor:
The Interceptor, introduced in the 1950s, is one of the most iconic models produced by Jensen. It was a luxurious and high-performance grand tourer that combined elegant styling with powerful engines. The Interceptor was known for its exceptional build quality and craftsmanship.
Jensen CV8:
The CV8, launched in the early 1960s, was another notable model. It was a fast and sophisticated sports car with a distinctive design. The CV8 was powered by a V8 engine, which contributed to its impressive performance.
Jensen Healey:
In the early 1970s, Jensen collaborated with Donald Healey to create the Jensen-Healey. This sports car was known for its affordability and fun-to-drive character, making it accessible to a broader range of enthusiasts.
Jensen GT and Jensen S-V8:
Jensen continued to produce vehicles with the GT and S-V8 models in the 1970s and early 2000s, respectively. The GT was a fastback version of the Interceptor, while the S-V8 was a modern take on the classic Jensen sports car.
Challenges and Closure:
Like many British automakers, Jensen faced financial challenges and ownership changes over the years. These difficulties ultimately led to the closure of the company in the early 2000s.
Legacy:
Despite its challenges, Jensen left behind a legacy of luxurious, handcrafted automobiles that were appreciated for their unique character and design. Their commitment to quality and craftsmanship made them stand out in the world of British motoring.
In conclusion, the story of Jensen cars is a testament to British ingenuity and the pursuit of excellence in automotive design and craftsmanship. While Jensen may not have achieved the same level of recognition as some larger automakers, their cars continue to be celebrated for their elegance and individuality by collectors and enthusiasts alike